Bear's Den, Nature reserve in New Salem, Massachusetts
The Middle Branch of the Swift River flows through granite cliffs in Bear's Den, creating a 75-foot deep gorge lined with hemlock trees.
The falls provided power for local grist mills through a sluice box that directed water through the cliff to turn an overshot water wheel.
The land holds connections to Native American history, as Metacomet of the Wampanoag tribe met with Nipmuck leaders here in 1675.
The reserve features a quarter-mile trail with two paths: one leading to the waterfall and another to the historic mill site.
The property contains small caves within its granite cliffs, with one particular formation designated as the actual Bear's Den.
Location: New Salem
GPS coordinates: 42.54194,-72.32611
Latest update: March 4, 2025 17:57
Massachusetts offers a range of locations beyond Boston and Cape Cod that receive fewer visitors. In the western part of the state, stone tower lookouts rise above forested hills, while waterfalls are located within state forests. Historic buildings from the 19th century stand in smaller communities, and gardens featuring native plant species are open to the public. The coastal region includes lighthouses on rocky points and beaches away from main travel routes. A museum houses a walk-through glass globe, geological formations show traces of past ice ages, and Victorian houses document different architectural styles. These places often require specific planning as they lie away from typical tourist routes.
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